NEW YORK — Scott Boras clients don't always go to free agency. See the Elvis Andrus deal for eight years and $120 million that was finished Thursday.

Still, there's a prevailing belief that if Jacoby Ellsbury were to remain with the Red Sox beyond 2013 — if the team doesn't want to give the center-field job to Jackie Bradley Jr. — it would be with a deal negotiated this upcoming offseason, not sooner.

Cherington said little to dispell that idea on Thursday in an interview with MLB Network Radio.

"We've always had a relaly good open dialogue about Jacoby, this goes back since he came up," Cherington said. "Once he got to arbitration, the arbitration years of coursed we talked every year, about his contract during those conversations, we talk about a number of things. In each year it's ended up sort of focusing back on a one year deal, and that's the way it happened again this year.

"But we've had an open dialogue with him before spring training, and Scott and I talk from tiem to time, share thoughts. I'd rather not get into details of those conversations. Certainly we have a great deal of respect for Jacoby, we know the caliber of player he is when he's on the field and he's the type of guy we'd love to have certainly after this year. We'll just see how it plays out, I know that he's very focused on having the best year he can and just trying to help us win."

Ellsbury's done well out of the gate, with four hits in 10 trips, including a triple, a walk and four RBIs.

"He looks like he's in a good spot, he's had good at-bats these first two days," Cherington said. "He's strong, and feeling very good physically. I think he's going to have a very good year."